pinch (redirected from pinching)

at a pinch (British & Australian, American)

if something can be done at a pinch, it is possible in an urgent situation but it is difficult. Will's car can take four people comfortably, five at a pinch.

feel the pinch

to have problems with money because you are earning less than before. When my father lost his job and we had to live on my mother's earnings, we really started to feel the pinch.

See also: feel

pinch-hit (American)

to do something for someone because they are suddenly unable to do it. He was pinch-hitting for one of the regular TV sportscasters, and was a great success. (often + for)

take something with a pinch of salt (British & Australian, American & Australian)

if you take what someone says with a pinch of salt, you do not completely believe it. You have to take everything she says with a pinch of salt. She has a tendency to exaggerate. It's interesting to read the reports in the newspapers, but I tend to take them with a grain of salt.

See also: salt, take

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feel the pinch

to experience the effect of having less money. Consumers have felt the pinch of higher gasoline prices.

See also: feel

in a pinch

if necessary. You should use lime juice, but in a pinch lemon is all right.